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A Member of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, William S. Hart Park is less than an hour's drive from most areas of Los Angeles. It is the former home and ranch of William S. Hart, silent film cowboy star and director. The William S. Hart Museum sits atop a hill within a large park area. The Spanish colonial Revival style mansion contains original furnishings, an impressive collection of western art, mementos of early Hollywood and Native American artifacts. In addition, there is a furnished 1910 ranch house which is open for unguided tours.

William S. Hart was a silent film star at the beginning of the century. He made western cowboy films and was famous for making the most-authentic true-to-life films of the time. He lived in Hollywood for most of his career, but in 1926 Bill commissioned Arthur Kelly to build a mansion in Newhall. Bill Hart was also a great art collector; his magnificent home is now filled with art from artists like Charlie Russell and Frederic Remington. When he died he left his home and the surrounding land to the county of Los Angeles, hoping that he could give back to the community that had treated him so generously. Now his home, and all the great art within it can be appreciated by anyone who wishes to come by.

Surrounding the museum there is a large park, perfect for picnics and barbeques. There is also a small ranch house and a barnyard area with live animals such as goats, pigs and various other cute creatures! The park is home to a herd of American Bison (buffalo), fun nature trails and a gift shop. Also within park grounds is the Santa Clarita Historical Society which is open for tours on weekends.

The museum boasts an impressive collection of western themed art. It holds oil paintings, watercolors, ink drawings and bronze sculpture done by such notable artists as Charles Russell, Joe De Young, Charles Christadoro and Frederic Remington. Along with this, the museum contains a myriad of authentic Native American artifacts along with many of the movie props from the 1920's that William S. Hart collected.

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